Training Greyhounds

Companionship — Greyhounds have NEVER been without companionship, human or canine. This is a dog that thrives on human attention. Slowly increase the time the dog is left alone. When leaving the dog alone, crate him and turn on a radio or TV.

Adjustment Period — Time is needed for the greyhound to adjust to his new surroundings. Your willingness to work with the dog during this period is required. There may be a possibility of an accident or diarrhea because greyhounds centre their stress in their digestive system. If diarrhea persists contact your vet.

Housing — Greyhounds have very low body fat, therefore they must live indoors. Because there is not much padding on their bones, make their bed soft. These dogs are social and like to be where you are. They should not be segregated from the family.

Crate — The crate is a multi-purpose training tool which sets up a prepared environment for the owner and the dog. The crate is the best tool to help the dog make the adjustment to his new home. It gives the dog a quiet place of his own and is the ultimate safety net. It makes travel with the dog easier and safer.

Discipline — Greyhounds are known as “soft dogs”. You need to teach your ex-racer the rules of the house. Usually, a firm voice command produces sufficient control. Use quiet, firm verbal correction and positive reinforcement rather than physical punishment.

Obedience — Greyhounds respond well to obedience training. We recommend you find a reputable training organization to work with you. Clicker training classes teach positive reinforcement. Use play training techniques.

Family — We want to have the entire family involved in the adoption and care of the dog. Everyone who will live with this dog needs to be aware of and willing to assist in his care. Adults are primarily responsible for the dog.

Children — Supervise the children and dog especially during the adjustment period. At this time, it is especially important to feed the dog in the crate. You need to be alert as to how the dog will react to possessions (e.g. food, toys, bed, etc.). Never let the children play in the crate. Children should keep their faces away from the dog. For additional information Click Here.

Elimination — You will have to monitor your dog to establish a schedule for relieving himself. Setting a routine will facilitate housebreaking. At the track, the dogs are taken out four times a day at regular intervals. Parasites can be transmitted through stools. Police your yard and pick up the waste regularly.

Stairs — Most greyhounds have never seen stairs. Encouragement and patience are needed. The dogs have the desire to go down the stairs in one leap. Restrain the dog to prevent this from happening.

Chewing — When a dog is nervous or bored he may chew. This is another reason that the dog should be crated or muzzled when you are not around. We suggest stuffed animals, kongs filled with treats, or dog biscuits. Never feed bones, or rawhides.

Newspaper — Used as bedding at the track, this is a favourite shredding material for greyhounds. Books and mail also fall into the shredding category.

Resting — Let sleeping dogs lie. If a dog is resting, wake them first with your voice to get their attention before touching them.

Small pets — Pet to pet bonding is a gradual process. Monitor the introduction, using a muzzle as a precaution. Be aware that dogs that ignore small animals inside may revert to instinctive chasing when outside.

Muzzle — The muzzle is a valuable tool to assist in introductions and behaviour modifications, but does not take the place of human supervision.